Spicy Crunchy Onion Bliss
Indulge in these perfectly crispy onion rings that pack a sweet and spicy punch! Ideal for topping off your favorite steak or enjoying as a standalone snack, these onion rings are dredged in a flavorful buttermilk batter with a kick. The addition of Old Bay seasoning elevates their taste, making each bite a delectable experience. Whether you prefer them mild or extra spicy, these onion rings are bound to impress your friends and family!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
buttermilk
1 cup
Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning
1 teaspoon
sugar
1 teaspoon
flour
1 cup
cornmeal
1/4 cup
baking powder
2 teaspoons
pepper
2 teaspoons
salt
1 teaspoon (plus extra for seasoning)
sweet onions (such as Vidalia)
2 large (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rings)
vegetable oil
as needed (for frying)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to keep the onion rings warm after frying.
2
In a medium bowl, mix the buttermilk, Tabasco sauce, and sugar until the sugar has dissolved completely.
3
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to create the dry batter.
4
Carefully peel the onions and slice them into rings about 1/4-inch thick. Separate the rings and use a towel to pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
5
Dip each onion ring into the buttermilk mixture and allow the excess liquid to drip off.
6
Dredge the buttermilk-coated onion rings in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
7
In a large heavy pan, heat vegetable oil to 400°F (200°C) over medium-high heat. Make sure there is enough oil to submerge the onion rings.
8
Carefully add the onion rings in batches, ensuring they form a single layer without crowding the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
9
Using tongs, transfer the fried onion rings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10
Allow the rings to rest for about 2 minutes to cool slightly before placing them on a wire rack in the warm oven to keep them crispy.
11
Repeat the frying process for all the onion rings, seasoning each batch with a pinch of salt to taste.
12
Serve hot and enjoy your Spicy Crunchy Onion Bliss!
Nutrition Information
9.4g
Fat
25g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Crunchy Onion Bliss?
It is a recipe for perfectly crispy onion rings that feature a sweet and spicy kick thanks to a buttermilk batter and Old Bay seasoning.
What kind of onions are best for this recipe?
Sweet onions, such as Vidalia onions, are recommended for the best flavor balance.
How thick should the onion rings be sliced?
The onions should be sliced into rings approximately 1/4-inch thick.
What temperature should the frying oil be?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 400°F (200°C) before frying.
How do I keep the onion rings warm while frying batches?
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and place the finished rings on a wire rack inside the oven to maintain crispiness.
What is the purpose of adding cornmeal to the flour mixture?
Cornmeal is added to the dry batter to provide an extra crunchy texture.
How much Tabasco sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce mixed into the buttermilk.
Can I make these onion rings less spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level by reducing the amount of Tabasco sauce or Old Bay seasoning.
Why do I need to pat the onions dry?
Patting the onion rings dry with a towel removes excess moisture, which helps the batter adhere better.
How long do the onion rings need to fry?
They should be fried for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
What are the nutritional statistics per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 9.4g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 2.5g of protein.
What seasoning is used in the dry batter?
The dry batter includes flour, cornmeal, baking powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Is sugar used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sugar is dissolved into the buttermilk mixture to add a hint of sweetness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients required for Spicy Crunchy Onion Bliss.
Should I salt the rings before or after frying?
Salt is included in the dry batter, but you should also add a pinch of salt to each batch immediately after frying.
What is the role of baking powder?
Baking powder helps the coating puff up slightly, making the rings light and airy.
How do I prevent the oil temperature from dropping?
Fry the onion rings in small batches to ensure you do not crowd the pan, which keeps the oil at a consistent temperature.
What should I use to drain the oil?
Transfer the fried onion rings to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil.
What are some good ways to serve these onion rings?
They are excellent as a standalone snack, an appetizer, or as a topping for steak.
How do I coat the rings properly?
Dip the rings into the buttermilk mixture first, let the excess drip off, and then dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Is vegetable oil the only option for frying?
While vegetable oil is specified, any high-smoke point oil suitable for deep frying at 400°F can be used.
Does this recipe fall under a specific cuisine style?
It is associated with southern cooking and comfort food styles.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 large sweet onions.
What tool is best for removing the rings from the oil?
Tongs are recommended for safely transferring the rings from the hot oil.
How long should the rings rest after frying?
Allow them to rest for about 2 minutes to cool slightly before moving them to the oven rack.
How much Old Bay Seasoning is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning.
Is buttermilk necessary?
Yes, buttermilk provides the necessary acidity and thickness to help the dry coating stick to the onions.
What type of pepper is used?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of pepper for the dry batter mixture.
Can I store leftovers?
Fried onion rings are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore some crispiness.
Is there cornmeal in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of cornmeal is included in the dry batter for texture.